Making the Most of Push-Button Switches

Pick the right push-button switches for your application

By Marjorie Gilbert

Push button switches have a simplicity to their design which makes them adaptable to practically any application. The fact that their simple design can work in computers, light switches, automotive starters, emergency stop buttons and more make them an item that will you can use for a long time to come. The fact that the electrical push button have endured since the 1890s is a testament to their staying power.

In order to succeed in making the most of push-button switches, browse through the information that describes the electric push buttons in various applications, such as an automotive push button, push button light switch, industrial push button and computer push button, and why it's suited for each application. 1. Incorporate push button switches in computers.

2. Use push button switches for lights.

3. Rely on industrial push button switches.

4. Let the automotive push button switch power the starter and more.

Use push buttons switches with computers

There is a variety of push button switches that work well with computers. Some can be keyboard switches that are low profile, or tiny push button switches, or ones that are sealed and have a "snap" feel when pushed. All of these switches work well for computer peripheries, and can either snap in or come with long pigtails for easy installation.
Try: GAMMA Electronics and Mouser Electronics have a wide selection of computer push button switches from which to choose.

Rely on the push button light switch, a new and old favorite

Push button light switches are something that were ubiquitous in house in the 50s, and are experiencing a resurgence. If your company is located in an old building or a building that looks old, push button light switches can add a nice detail. Don't think you need to rely on push button light switches that only turn one light off and on: technology has allowed these simple-appearing switches to be three or four way so you can add more than one "station of operation." Check to make sure the switches are UL Listed and CSA Certified. These reproductions have the advantage of use with new or existing wiring.
Try: Kyle Designs and Omhega Salvage have push button light switches.

Consider the work horses of the push button family: industrial push button switches

Industrial push button switches lend themselves to hard use by being sealed, being lighted pushbutton switch, able to resist dirt, dust, water and whatever you can throw at it. Abuse them all you want, and they'll still turn on your equipment, function as emergency stops and more.
Try: Norgren and Baco have a wide selection of industrial push button switches. On the Baco website, choose the product category that best fits your needs to download a PDF file of industrial push button switches.

Find automotive push button switches

The automotive push button switch is dust as well as moisture resistant. They often have sealed rubber caps that don't affect the ease of use. Often, the contacts are made of silver and copper, and are therefore long lasting.
Try: Select Controls and Ace Electronics have automotive push button switches.

Contact the manufacturers of push button switches if you don't find one that suits your company. They can work with you to design or suggest something that will. Ask about discounts.